First-Generation Students: Salary Expectations

The starting salary expectations of first-generation and non-first generation students were similar, with a majority of first-generation students expecting a starting salary between $25,000 and $50,000 and a majority of non-first-generation expecting a salary between $30,000 and $55,000, according to a forthcoming special report based on results of NACE’s Class of 2016 Student Survey.

An elevated percentage of first-generation students expected a starting salary lower than $50,000 (73.1 percent of first-generation students vs. 64.1 percent of non-first-generation students), while a higher percentage of non-first-generation expected a salary starting of $50,000 or higher (33 percent of non-first-generation students vs. 26.8 percent of first-generation students).

These differences in expected starting salaries could be representative of a student’s choice in major and planned job sector, and suggests a relationship between how a student feels their education is valued in the job market.

The special report on the attitudes, behaviors, and job-search success of first-generation students will be available later this fall. The report is based on results from NACE’s Class of 2016 Student Survey, which was conducted February 16 – April 30, 2016. Among graduating seniors taking part in the survey, 5,013 self-identified as either first generation (1,925) or non-first generation (3,088). First-generation students are defined as having a parent/parents who does/do not possess at least a bachelor’s degree. The Class of 2016 Student Survey was sponsored by Enterprise. Survey participants can access a full copy of the report through MyNACE. Highlights from the Class of 2016 Student Survey are available at www.naceweb.org/surveys/student.aspx.

Figure 1: Starting salary expectations between first-generation and non-first-generation students

Salary expectations

Non-first-generation students

First-generation students

More than $80,000

2.8%

1.3%

$75,001 - $80,000

1.3%

1.3%

$70,001 - $75,000

2.8%

1.6%

$65,001 - $70,000

4.4%

2.6%

$60,001 - $65,000

7.4%

4.9%

$55,001 - $60,000

7.7%

6.1%

$50,001 - $55,000

9.4%

9.0%

$45,001 - $50,000

9.4%

12.0%

$40,001 - $45,000

11.1%

14.4%

$35,001 - $40,000

14.9%

13.8%

$30,001 - $35,000

12.0%

11.8%

$25,001 - $30,000

7.7%

10.3%

$20,000 - $25,000

5.7%

7.3%

Less than $20,000

3.3%

3.5%

Source: Class of 2016 Student Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers